Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VERAPAMIL HYDROCHLORIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used in the control of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias and in the management angina
pectoris (classical and variant) and hypertension. Given intravenously or by mouth A
calcium- channel blocker classified as a class IV anti- arrhythmic agent.

SYNONYMS

C27-H38-N2-O4.HCl, "valeronitrile, 5-((3, 4-dimethoxyphenethyl)methylamino)-",
"valeronitrile, 5-((3, 4-dimethoxyphenethyl)methylamino)-", "2-(3, 4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-
isopropyl-, monohydrochloride", "2-(3, 4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-,
monohydrochloride", "alpha-[3-[[2-(3, 4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]methylamino]propyl]-", "3,
4-dimethoxy-alpha-(1-methylethyl)benzeneacetonitrile hydrochloride", "3, 4-dimethoxy-
alpha-(1-methylethyl)benzeneacetonitrile hydrochloride", "5-[(3, 4-
dimethoxyphenethyl)methylamino]-2-", "5-[(3, 4-dimethoxyphenethyl)methylamino]-2-", "(3,
4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-isopropylvaleronitrile hydrochlorde", "(3, 4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-
isopropylvaleronitrile hydrochlorde", alpha-isopropyl-alpha-[(N-methyl-N-homoveratryl)-
gamma-aminopropyl]-, alpha-isopropyl-alpha-[(N-methyl-N-homoveratryl)-gamma-aminopropyl]-,
"3, 4-dimethoxyphenylacetonitrile hydrochloride", "3, 4-dimethoxyphenylacetonitrile
hydrochloride", "verapamil chloridrate", Calan, Cordilux, "D-365 hydrochloride", "D-365
hydrochloride", Dilacoron, Finoptin, "Iproveratril Hydrochloride", Isoptin, "Izoptin
Hydrochloride", Manidon, Berkatens, Cardiogutt, Cardibeltin, Cordilox, Dignover,
Drosteakard, Geangin, Securon, Univer, Vasolan, Veramex, Veraptin, Verelan, Verexamil,
vasolan, "calcium channel blocker anti-arrhythmic", Anpec

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Toxic if swallowed.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 40 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Large doses of calcium channel blocking agents may produce nausea, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, a decrease in blood pressure along with reduced cardiac output; death may ensue.  Anti-arrhythmic agents have cardiac depressant properties and may, particularly in excessive dosages, induce cardiac arrhythmias (including ventricular tachycardia), heart failure and hypotension.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may cause transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn). Slight abrasive damage may also result. The material may produce foreign body irritation in certain individuals.  

SKIN

  Skin contact is not thought to produce harmful health effects (as classified using animal models). Systemic harm, however, has been identified following exposure of animals by at least one other route and the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of dusts, or fume, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Calcium channel blocking agents can cause heart irregular heart beat, high blood pressure,  vomiting , diarrhea, headache, dermatitis, acne, itching and blood disorders such as anemia and loss of platelets. Widespread blood swellings and blood clots may occur.